What is a Travel Plan?

A Travel Plan is a document that outlines strategies to manage how people travel to and from a new development, aiming to reduce reliance on cars and encourage the use of sustainable modes of transport such as walking, cycling, and public transport. Travel Plans are essential for ensuring that developments align with policy requirements related to sustainability and reducing environmental impacts. They form an integral part of a planning application, helping manage traffic, reduce congestion, and promote healthier and more sustainable travel behaviours.

Types of Travel Plans

There are several types of Travel Plans, each tailored to specific types of development or at different stages of the process:

• Framework Travel Plan: A high-level strategy for larger, phased developments. It sets the overarching Travel Plan Objectives and Travel Plan Measures for the entire project, with further detailed plans developed as individual phases come forward.

• Outline Travel Plan: Prepared at the early stages of a planning application, it provides an initial strategy that can be reviewed and finalised shortly prior to occupation at a new development.

• Workplace Travel Plan: Focused on reducing car use for employees and promoting alternative travel options such as cycling or car-sharing.

• Residential Travel Plan: Designed for housing developments, encouraging residents to use more sustainable modes and providing information on local public transport options and facilities for cyclists.

• School Travel Plan: Developed to promote walking, cycling, and other sustainable transport for students, reducing car use during school drop-off and pick-up periods.

What Do Travel Plans Cover?

A Travel Plan outlines Travel Plan Objectives, such as reducing car use or achieving a specific mode shift. It identifies Travel Plan Measures to achieve these objectives, like providing better cycling infrastructure, offering incentives for public transport use, or organising car-sharing schemes.

The plan also includes Targets and Monitoring. For example, periodic Questionnaires and Surveys are conducted to assess travel behaviour and evaluate whether the development is meeting its targets. A Monitor and Manage approach ensures that if initial measures aren’t effective, adjustments can be made to improve results.

Why Are Travel Plans Required?

Travel Plans are a requirement for many new developments as part of broader planning policies aimed at promoting sustainability, reducing congestion, and improving air quality. By encouraging mode share towards sustainable modes like public transport, cycling, or walking, they help reduce the environmental impact of new developments.

At Ripple, we specialise in preparing comprehensive Travel Plans for all types of developments, as well as taking on the Travel Plan Co-ordinator role to ensure effective implementation. Get in touch with us today to discuss your project and discover how we can assist you.